Last February, the Nike leader promised that he would “abandon the models,” but England has now put forward the same goalkeeper’s uniform as Liverpool.
Prior to the introduction of Liverpool’s first uniforms with its new manufacturer, Nike executive leader Heidi Burgett responded to fan considerations that the club would get exclusive designs.
With Nike being known for her use of role models in clubs and nationally over the years, Burgett’s words were reassuring as she stated that they were “abandoning” their previous approach.
“We’re giving up the models,” he wrote on Twitter in February.
– Heidi Burgett (@heidiburgett) 5 February 2020
“For 2020 uniforms, Nike designers had 65 chassis features on other necklines, sleeves, dolls, badge placement, etc.
“From handmade prints to traditional sources, the team’s look will be yours.”
Of course, its use of the word “chassis” is already a red flag, and when Nike deployed its new models by 2020/21, a number of similarities appeared.
This is no more the case than with their goalkeeper uniforms, and with England unveiling its new look on Wednesday, the comparisons were surprising:
A new look at the #ThreeLions pic.twitter.com/fVMlpN9FD1 caps
– England (@England) 2 September 2020
Everton’s Jordan Pickford wears precisely the same blouse that Alisson will wear outside Liverpool this season, except, of course, there’s another badge.
It’s the first time this has happened this summer, as Zenit St Petersburg’s goalkeeper’s uniform for the new crusade is the same as the Reds’ house game.
– St. Carson (@sjrcarson) August 9, 2020
When the outdoor uniform was revealed, many enthusiasts also pointed out the similarities between Nike’s design for the Reds and that of Barcelona.
While it’s not unusual for brands to use models for their creations, it would be difficult to produce kits that are absolutely exclusive to the club, especially for a logo with Nike’s relationships, this runs counter to Burgett’s provocative engagement in February.
Given the costs that are also charged for kits, the obvious lack of creativity seems negligent.
However, Liverpool will be dismayed by the expected benefits of its new agreement with the US brand.
While they are expected to get a low base rate of 30 million pounds according to the season, royalties traded under their Nike deal will increase this amount to one hundred million pounds.
It remains to be noted whether monetary adjustments in the weather, however, with adult T-shirts sold retail at $70, expect to recover a significant amount when enthusiasts buy their kits by 2020/21.
Maybe Burgett just wanted to say that Nike was abandoning its old models…